AFCON 2025: Osimhen tops 23 Nigeria squad for Benin Republic, Rwanda’s clash

By Wale Mustapha

The Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) has announced the 23 players for the Super Eagles’ African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025 qualifying encounters against Benin Republic and Rwanda. 

The 23-man roster released on Tuesday had captain William Troost-Ekong returning to the fold after missing out in two previous games for the country due to injury. 

The Super Eagles’ squad which comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.

The likes of Ola Aina, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi will also be making a return to the team after injuries forced them out of last qualifying games. 

Bendel Insurance safe hands Amas Obasogie also returns, just as South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah.

The Super Eagles go up against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before flying to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.

All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September.

The squad includes:

• Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
• Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest)
• Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC), Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)
• Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen), Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)

The team will face Benin Republic on September 7 in Uyo and then travel to Kigali to play Rwanda on September 10. Players are expected to report in Uyo on September 2.